United Nations, Sep 14 (PTI) The UN Security Council has
expressed concern over violence in Myanmar's restive Rakhine
state from where thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to
Bangladesh, asking the government to take immediate steps to
de-escalate the situation and re-establish law and order.

An estimated 380,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees have fled
Myanmar and reached Bangladesh after a crackdown by Myanmarese
security forces in response to an attack on a military outpost
by Rohingya militants on August 25.

Expressing concern over the situation, the UN Security
Council called for immediate steps to end the violence, de-
escalate the situation and re-establish law and order.

In a statement, Security Council "expressed deep concern"
about the situation in Rakhine State.

Acknowledging the initial attacks on Myanmar security
forces on August 25, the 15-membered body condemned the
subsequent violence which has led to over 300,000 people being
displaced.

The members called for protection of civilians in Myanmar
and restoration of normal socio-economic conditions.

"This is the first time in nine years that the Security
Council has agreed on this particular issue, on Myanmar,"
British Ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft told reporters at
the UN headquarters in New York.

"We were united in our concern about the situation, in
the deterioration of the situation and we have heard
graphically from the Secretary-General and Jeff Feltman who
briefed us on the catastrophe that is befalling Rakhine State
and Rohingya there," he said.

Rycroft said the members agreed that there must be an end
to the security operations and there must be full humanitarian
access wherever it is needed.

"And the Government of Myanmar has an important
obligation in looking to the longer term in implementing the
recommendations of the Annan Commission," he said.

The Security Council also welcomed Bangladesh's efforts
to provide assistance to refugees and welcomed UN and other
international efforts to support Dhaka in this regard.

Noting the commitments made by Myanmar to provide
humanitarian assistance to all displaced individuals without
discrimination, they called on the government to fulfil these
commitments, facilitate humanitarian assistance to those in
need in Rakhine State, and to ensure the protection and safety
of humanitarian actors.

They encouraged further dialogue and cooperation among
states concerned.

Agreeing on the importance of a long-term solution to the
situation in Rakhine, members of the Security Council called
for implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory
Commission on Rakhine State.

"In that context, they welcomed as a first step the
Government of Myanmar's establishment of the 'Ministerial
Implementation Committee' for the Rakhine Advisory Commission.

They confirmed that the international community stands ready
to support the Government of Myanmar with its implementation,"
the statement said.